3:2nd Marines

The 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines (3/2), known as "Betio Bastards," is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Activated in 1941, 3/2 participated in major World War II campaigns, including the Battle of Tarawa, earning its nickname for actions on Betio Island. The battalion has seen combat in numerous conflicts, such as the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Renowned for its operational effectiveness, 3/2 continues to serve as a rapid response force, upholding a distinguished legacy in Marine Corps history.